Lower seat or higher handlebars to deal with wrist pain?

I have the same problem on some bikes, most noticeably on my "visiting" FZ-09. I am also fairly tall and have long legs and arms.

To ease this I use Progrip "Enduro" grips, model 714. They have a bit of "barrel" shape and absorb any vibes very well.

I also prefer a handlebar with plenty of "pull back" which allows my wrist to turn rather than flex. It does tend to make me sit more upright, but I can always lean forward a bit. It also keeps my elbows in. This is a more relaxed posture, too. I suspect that your cruiser was like that. Renthal's #742 is a good example, got them on our SV 650.

Wow, 1000 posts!

zippy49 said:

To ease this I use Progrip "Enduro" grips, model 714. They have a bit of "barrel" shape and absorb any vibes very well.

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Progrip 714 FTW! I really didn't expect anyone here to recommend that grip.

philthymike said:

Those grip covers may be helpful, I think I'll give them a shot. I ordered some "fat grips" and then discovered they were no larger in diameter than the OEM grips - DOH!
Those are going back...

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My heated Oxford grips are also noticeably larger in diameter than the stockers as well, but that would be more expensive than either normal grips or some grip covers.

philthymike said:

Those grip covers may be helpful, I think I'll give them a shot. I ordered some "fat grips" and then discovered they were no larger in diameter than the OEM grips - DOH!
Those are going back...

Click to expand...

I bought Grip Puppies for my throttle side and really appreciate the extra diameter.

https://www.amazon.com/Sportouring-Handlebar-Grip-Puppies-Grips/dp/B00CP9ADD8

Wrist pain is a common malady on a variety of bikes.

I used to get pain when I raced AMA Enduro. During my 8 years I learned a lot about ergonomics. Essential to make a 90 mile trail of torture.

I took several seminars over the years on ergos and bike set up. We had Rodney Smith, Larry Rosseler and Dave Bertram talk to our group. (Bertram is founder of Cycle Gear and former ISDE medal winner .. the other two are simply legends in
off road riding) They all specifically talked about bar and lever set up.

Most time wrist pain was caused by too much BEND in your wrist. This from having you lever set up TOO HIGH. Too high levers means your wrist must do a sharp bend. Not good. This condition would be worse when standing ... which in Enduro you spend most time standing up on the bike.

So, lowering the lever angle can help. This will allow your wrist to sit flatter, with little bend. Makes a HUGE difference for me ... and thousands of riders.
Basic ergo set up 101. Most riders don't ever address ergos, things like bar height, angle, levers and more. Important to make your office just right for you.